Visa'a for electives in US/Canada

[medgirl20]

Can anyone who's done US/Canadian electives tell me if/what type of visa they needed so confused looking at the embassy website not sure if holiday visa is sufficent as not being paid and their student visas all seem to be for long term studying rather than for a month.

 

[leorl]

I think you can use a normal J1 visa (summer "working" visa), but not quite sure. You might want to double check on that.

 

[dr.op]

I just went on the Visa Waiver. Some universities require you to organise a more formal visa, but they'll let you know (usually it is on their websites)

 

[medgirl20]

Thanks I thought you could go on the visa waiver don't want to end up being deported though

 

[13538]

I have an EU passport and I did 2 electives in the US and went on the Visa Waiver both times. At Immigration when they ask you the purpose of your visit...just say "vacation". Saying you're doing an elective (albeit unpaid) will probably cause unnecessary problems. Once you don't stay more than 90 days, don't get in trouble or try to take up employment...you'll be fine 🙂

Best of luck 🙂